Finding Freemasons in Hong Kong has always been something I wanted to tackle ever since I began my research on early residents of Hong Kong. By nature, it is a difficult task because the Masonic Order was a secret society (and still is, even though a lot less so)[1]. On top of that, I have read, almost all of the pre-1942 records of Freemasons and their lodges in Hong Kong were destroyed during the Pacific War. None of these, however, do much to deter my blind ambition to embark on this journey. Why? “Because it's there.” I do realize it's kind of cocksure for me to quote these words, after all I'm no George Mallory and this remark was made after he came down from the Everest, not when he was heading up... but here I am, it hasn't been done yet (as far as I know) so it is mine to claim being the first. (11/6/2014)

[1] Speaking of secret societies, Masonic Lodges were up for close scrutiny by the Legislature in 1887 to determine if they were indeed secretive. An exclusion clause was singularly added to the Bill for the amendment of the Ordinance No.2 of 1887, titled “An Ordinance for the Suppression of the Triad Society and other Secret Societies and for the Punishment of the Members thereof”, that said, “Article 11. This Ordinance shall not apply to any and duly constituted Masonic Lodge.” Whoever proposed this additional provision clearly had esteemed Masonic societies to be in the same league as the Triad[a]. The addition of Article 11 did not meet with the approval of the Legislative Council...

[a] To set the record straight, The Triad wasn't a criminal syndicates back in the nineteenth century. It was actually formed with the aim to overthrow the Manchurian rule of China; the Hong Kong Government, at the request of Qing Government, outlawed Triad in colony.

As in the case of other biographical dictionaries I am compiling, the first order of business is to find as many names as possible and put them in the roll, adding basic information where possible. Once that's done, I will then begin to work on the biography of each subject individual.

The word “unknown” used in this post generally means “unknown to me” as opposed to nobody knows. In some cases, these are matters I think I know but do not know for a fact.

Suggest you should add Sir Catchick Paul Chater who was the Worshipful Master of the Perseverance Lodge in 1873. There is still a lodge in Hong Kong called "The Paul Chater Lodge of Installed Masters No.5391" formed under his name nowadays.

I have only just come across this site as I'm researching my grandfather who belonged to Zetland Lodge between circa 1922 until his death in Hong Kong in 1931 - are you interested in more information? I am seeking more. His name doesnot appear to be on your site yet his death was reported and his grave is still in happy valley cemetery -

am seeking information relating to one Joseph Beattie who was a member of United Service Lodge 1341; before joining Lodge 259 on 12 May 1884 in Northern Ireland UK. If possible can anyone provide details when he joined lodge 1341 and when he received his degrees, thank you

I'm researching my grandfather, Walter Henry Bredin. I came across "Massachusetts, Mason Membership Cards, 1733-1990" where it was noted he was part of the University 3666 lodge. I can provide additional information based on the membership card.

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From Rudi Butt

Don't forget to add “HKFM1841-1941” to your subject blank when you email me. I have a habit of deleting messages from people I don't know, and I don't want to throw away yours. Thank you.rudibutt@hotmail.comHong Kong

I am taking the rest of the summer off and will reply to your email/comments when I am back. Thank you for your patience and I hope you too will have an enjoyable summer. (6/24/2016)

I am in the process of transferring to this new site data of 300 Freemasons in Hong Kong from a post I've written in another blog of mine: Hong Kong's First. It will take a while and I thank you for your patience. (12/20/2014)

Today is a happy day since I've now put the most boring task of data transferring behind me. This site now have all 306 names of Freemasons I was able to locate between June and December last year. The research and writing of biographies of subject individuals will now begin (3/25/2015)